IGF 2023 WS #86 AI-driven Cyber Defense: Empowering Developing Nations

Time
Tuesday, 10th October, 2023 (08:30 UTC) - Tuesday, 10th October, 2023 (10:00 UTC)
Room
WS 2 – Room A

Organizer 1: Babu Ram Aryal, Digital Freedom Coalition [NEPAL]
Organizer 2: Lily Edinam Botsyoe, 🔒
Organizer 3: Kamala Adhikari, 🔒

Speaker 1: Nabinda Aryal, Government, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 2: Tatiana Tropina, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Sarim Aziz, Private Sector, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 4: Michael Ilishebo, Government, African Group

Additional Speakers

Waqas Hassan, Lead, International Affairs, Pakistan Telecommunications Authority

Ananda Gautam, Policy Manager, Internet Governance Institute

Moderator

Babu Ram Aryal, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group

Online Moderator

Lily Edinam Botsyoe, Technical Community, African Group

Rapporteur

Kamala Adhikari, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group

Format

Panel - 90 Min

Policy Question(s)

1. What are the key policy frameworks needed to support the integration of AI in cyber defense strategies in developing countries? 2. How can policymakers establish comprehensive and adaptable policies that address the unique challenges faced by these nations? 3. What policies and regulations should be in place to ensure the privacy and protection of data used in AI-driven cyber defense initiatives? 4. How can developing countries strike a balance between data sharing for collaborative security efforts and safeguarding individual privacy rights? 5. What ethical principles should guide the development and deployment of AI technologies in cyber defense?

What will participants gain from attending this session? By attending this session, participants will acquire knowledge, practical strategies, and networking opportunities to strengthen cyber defense in developing countries using AI. They will be better equipped to navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape, address emerging threats, and leverage AI technologies effectively to protect critical infrastructure, sensitive data, and individuals from cyber threats. In particular, the participant shall gain following knowledge and the opportunity from attending the session: 1. Knowledge of AI applications in cyber defense; 2. Understanding of emerging cyber threats; 3. Strategies for strengthening cyber defense; 4. Policy and regulatory considerations; 5. Capacity building opportunities; 6. Networking and collaboration; 7. Case studies and real-world examples;

Description:

AI technologies offer immense potential for enhancing cybersecurity; however, they can also introduce risks that may contribute to the increasing cybercrime in developing countries. Adversaries can harness AI techniques to develop more sophisticated and targeted cyberattacks, automating tasks such as reconnaissance, social engineering, and evasion techniques. The risks associated with AI-driven cybercrime also extend to data poisoning and bias. AI models rely on large datasets for training, and compromised or manipulated datasets can lead to biased or malicious AI outcomes. Developing countries with limited resources for data validation and quality assurance face higher risks of using compromised or biased data in AI systems. Moreover, the use of AI can accelerate cyber threats by automating processes like password cracking, phishing campaigns, or malware propagation, potentially increasing the volume and frequency of cybercrimes. Skills and resource disparities in developing countries pose another challenge. Building and retaining skilled cybersecurity professionals who can effectively develop, deploy, and manage AI-based security systems can be challenging. This skill gap creates vulnerabilities that cybercriminals may exploit, further contributing to the risk of cybercrime in developing nations. Developing countries need to prioritize cybersecurity capacity building, invest in AI research and development, establish robust regulatory frameworks, foster international collaborations, and promote awareness and education about the potential risks associated with AI-driven cybercrime. By taking proactive measures, these nations can harness the benefits of AI while effectively addressing the evolving cyber threat landscape.This session will delve into how AI can empower developing nations to enhance their cyber defense strategies, detect and mitigate emerging threats, and build resilient cybersecurity ecosystems. It will bring together experts, practitioners, policymakers, and researchers from both developed and developing countries to discuss innovative approaches, challenges, and best practices in leveraging AI for cyber defense.

Expected Outcomes

Expected outcomes: 1. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the potential of AI in strengthening cyber defense capabilities in developing countries. 2. Participants will gain valuable insights into policy considerations and frameworks related to AI-driven cyber defense. 3. Participants will learn about best practices and effective strategies for implementing AI-driven cyber defense initiatives. Expected outputs: 1. Participants may generate policy recommendations that address the unique challenges faced by developing countries in implementing AI-driven cyber defense strategies. 2. The session can result in the identification and sharing of best practices and guidelines for leveraging AI technologies in cyber defense specifically tailored to the context of developing countries. 3. Participants may initiate collaborative initiatives or partnerships aimed at advancing AI-driven cyber defense in developing countries.

Hybrid Format: The on-site moderator will lead the discussion with the help of online moderator. The onsite moderator begin the session by briefing the importance of the workshop (3 Mins). The moderator shall give 5 Mins each to the panelists for their original thoughts and experience in the discussion (5X5 Mins). The online moderator shall follow up for the second round of cross questions to each panel based on their initial thoughts (5X3 Mins). The Onsite and Online Moderator open the floor for onsite and online participants (40 Mins). Rapporteur shall summarize the panel discussion with the take away of the workshop (5 Mins). The Onsite moderator shall close the session at the end (3 Mins).